Multimedia synchronization method and device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for synchronizing a multiplicity of devices in a multimedia environment is described. The system has at least one central storage and interface device, wherein audio, video, and photographic information including content information and content management information, relating to at least one user, are stored in digital form. The system further has a plurality of zones each having a zone specific storage and interface device being capable of storing or interfacing with information stored in the central storage and interface device, wherein audio, video, or photographic information, relating to at least one user, contained within each one of the plurality of zone specific storage and interface devices and the central storage and interface device, are updated in relation with other zone specific storage and interface devices and the central storage and interface device. This results in the at least one user can be situated at anyone of the zones and access substantially identical audio, video, and photographic information related to the at least one user. The method includes providing the plurality of devices, providing the plurality of zones, determining whether a current synchronization point exists, if a previous synchronization point exists, receiving information from a server, if a previous synchronization point does not exists, sending information to a at least one client by a host, wherein the at least one user is disposed to have control, determining what information is needed by the at least one client, and establishing the resultant state as a synchronization point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.09/884,661 filed Jun. 19, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,136,934.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of multimedia record andplayback devices, and more particularly to such devices whichincorporate digitally stored multimedia data on a stationary orremovable memory and playback device which can convert the stored datainto audible sound and visible video images.

Historically, radio and television have been the major audio and videocontent providers to the general population. Both radio and televisionprovide the listener/viewer with a selection of programming directed atdifferent preferences and tastes. Unfortunately, listener/viewers havevery little, if any, input into the broadcast formats selected by theradio stations and television networks. As such, the listener/viewer'soptional programming choices are limited to the number and differentformats played by local radio stations and national television networks.

Because of these and other limitations of music and video broadcasting,cassette players, compact disc (CD) players, video cassette recorders(VCR) and digital video disks (DVD) have become very popular. Thesedevices allow the listener/viewer to select and control the type andfrequency of music and video content they desire to listen to or watchat any given moment. However, several drawbacks to these devices includethat the listener/viewer must individually purchase the cassette tapes,CDs, videotapes or DVDs which also have limited storage capacity.Likewise, the listener/viewer must transport a large number ofcassettes, CDs, videotapes or DVDs to provide a range of musical andvideo selections.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,132, entitled System For Synchronizing Playback OfRecordings And Display By Networked Computer Systems, disclosesentertainment content complementary to a musical recording beingdelivered to a user's computer by means of a computer network link. Theuser employs a browser to access the computer network. A plug-in for thebrowser is able to control an audio CD or other device for playing themusical recording. A script stored on the remote computer accessed overthe network is downloaded. The script synchronizes the delivery of thecomplementary entertainment content with the play of the musicalrecording. However, this patent does not teach transferring ofinformation related to a particular user.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,302, entitled System For Managing A Plurality OfComputer Jukeboxes, discloses a method and apparatus for managing aplurality of computer jukeboxes at different locations from a centralstation. Each jukebox includes processor means for controlling thecomputer jukebox, storage and retrieval means for data, display meansfor selection menus, audio production means for playing musical records,and a user interface enabling patrons to communicate with the processormeans. However, substantially identical information related to aparticular user are not synchronized and stored in all the zones in thispatent.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,566, entitled Customizable Media Player WithOnline/Offline Capabilities, discloses an information disseminationsystem comprises an Internet-connected server adapted for gatheringinformation from plural sources, and sorting the information accordingto subscriber preferences. The sorted information is transmitted via theInternet to a subscriber's Internet Applicance (IA) as electronicdocuments, where the documents are downloaded to a connected playbackdevice. However, this patent does not teach a local area network (LAN)for coupling a central storage and interface device with a zone specificstorage and interface device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,142, entitled Method And System For Using ACommunication Network To Supply Targeted Streaming Advertising InInteractive Media, discloses a system and method for deliveringprogrammed music and targeted advertising messages to Internet basedsubscribers includes a software controlled microprocessor basedrepository in which the dossiers of a plurality of the subscribers arestored and updated, musical content and related advertising areclassified and matched. A subscriber has an appropriate microprocessorbased device capable of selecting information and receiving informationfrom the Internet. The subscriber receives the programmed music andmatched advertisements from the repository over the Internet. However,this patent does not teach user specific synchronization, or LAN basedcommunication network.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,076, entitled Audio Program Player Including ADynamic Program Selection Controller, discloses an audio program andmessage distribution system in which a host system organizes andtransmits program segments to client subscriber locations. The hostorganizes the program segments by subject matter and creates scheduledprogramming in accordance with preferences associated with eachsubscriber. Program segments are associated with descriptive subjectmatter segments, and the subject matter segments may be used to generateboth text and audio cataloging presentations to enable the user to moreeasily identify and select desirable programming. However, this patentdoes not teach user specific information including substantiallyidentical information at each zone wherein the user can access theinformation without any further communication between the zones.Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,624, entitled Digital Information LibraryAnd Delivery System With Logic For Generating Files Targeted To ThePlayback Device, does not teach the same either.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,119, entitled Method For Streaming Transmission OfCompressed Music, discloses an Internet high fidelity audio transmissionand compression protocol including a system for representing synthesizedmusic in a relatively small file as compared to digital recording. Theprotocol includes a method for streaming the transmission of a musicdata file from a Server-Composer computer such that the music can beginbeing played back as soon as the file begins to arrive at aClient-Player computer. The system includes a graduated resolutionimprovement feature which allows the music to be recreated exactly asoriginally composed as the necessary wavetable data is downloading inthe background and the music continues to play in the foreground.However, this patent does not teach using LAN as a means for transfer ofinformation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,721,815, entitled Media-On-Demand Communication SystemAnd Method Employing Direct Access Storage Device, discloses a method oftransmission in discrete form between a vender and a user. However, thispatent does not teach the user accessing substantially identicalinformation at a plurality of zones. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,442,entitled System for Distributing Subscription and On-Demand Audioprogramming does not teach the same.

Therefore it is desirous to have a consumer digitally encode theirentire audio, video, and photographic collections to be stored onmultimedia storage devices, and have the entire collection synchronizedautomatically by having the devices communicate to and from each otherso that the content is available in multiple locations or zones that theconsumer may go. These may include devices such as personal computerslocated in other rooms or other locations (for example summer home, car,yacht, etc.), or on an online server/website/database. It is preferableto have the content locally stored so that interruptions and skipsassociated with streaming content over the network does not occur.Additionally, should the storage device such as a hard drive of one unitfails, then the other devices still have complete copies of the contentcollection to easily replace the failed unit.

In light of these considerations, it is an object of this invention toprovide a multimedia player device and system which is capable ofstoring a relatively large amount of digital multimedia programming,whether audio or video, with relatively instant access to any piece ofstored data for playback, where the stored data may be replaced with newdata when the desires of the user change. It is a further object toprovide such a device and system where the transfer of data to themultimedia player device is accomplished through alternativecommunication means, such that the user can choose from a vast array ofdata encompassing all formats of audio and video programming and canchoose to synchronize the multimedia player device with other multimediadevices on a network for the upload and download of multimedia contentfrom connected network devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an apparatus and system for providing recordedmultimedia programming in digital form in a multimedia player devicewhere the user chooses the particular programming so recorded, andfurther where the recorded programming is updated or replacedperiodically with new content from different networked sources. Thesystem comprises a device capable of digitally recording, storing,downloading and uploading multimedia programming in either audio orvideo formats and is able to transmit such digital data, either via ahardwired or wireless network, where the data is stored on a combinationmultimedia receiver/player/data storage device, hereafter referred to asa “digital multimedia device.” The digital multimedia device comprises areadable/writable memory storage mechanism (e.g., disk drive, harddrive, memory) capable of receiving network transmissions, and aplayback or player feature interfaced with a mobile or fixed radioreceiver, television or personal computer.

The digital player device provides means to display alphanumericinformation related to the data chosen to be played on the device itselfor through a television or personal computer monitor connection. As datatransmissions are received, the data files are stored in digital formwithin the storage unit as a buffer to be accessed by the playbackmechanism, in effect, delaying the playback of the received data untilthe multimedia works are needed. The data is then converted to “realtime” audio or video, utilizing a digital-to-analog converter in thecase of audio files, and played back to the listener. As each file isplayed back, the user may choose to delete the file, and the storagedevice would then over-write or replace the file with a new file orfiles of similar size as downloaded by the user from other networkresources. The user could also elect to skip the file and proceed toanother file stored on the digital player device. As available memoryallows, additional multimedia works will continue to be received andstored until the data storage device is filled to capacity, even as theuser simultaneously listens to a previously received file. The digitalmultimedia device is designed to have a relatively large storagecapacity, such that hundreds or thousand of files for example, could bestored on the device at any one time.

Another feature of the digital multimedia player provides, as new filesare constantly being accessed through a network, such as the world wideweb, the data storage unit is refreshing the files stored on the digitalmultimedia device as old files are either deleted or updated by theuser. Since the digital multimedia device is connected to the network,it has direct access to the network which allows the listener to requestcustom files between the listener and other digital player devices,personal computers and music source databases connected to the network.

The instant invention teaches a system and method for synchronizing amultiplicity of devices in a multimedia environment. The system has atleast one central storage and interface device, wherein audio, video,and photographic information including content information and contentmanagement information, relating to at least one user, are stored indigital form. The system further has a plurality of zones each having azone specific storage and interface device being capable of storing orinterfacing with information stored in the central storage and interfacedevice, wherein audio, video, or photographic information, relating toat least one user, contained within each one of the plurality of zonespecific storage and interface devices and the central storage andinterface device, are updated in relation with other zone specificstorage and interface devices and the central storage and interfacedevice. This results in the at least one user can be situated at anyoneof the zones and access substantially identical audio, video, andphotographic information related to the at least one user.

The method includes providing the plurality of devices, providing theplurality of zones, determining whether a current synchronization pointexists, if a previous synchronization point exists, receivinginformation from a server, if a previous synchronization point does notexists, sending information to a at least one client by a host, whereinthe at least one user is disposed to have control, determining whatinformation is needed by the at least one client, and establishing theresultant state as a synchronization point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a network diagram with attached devices capable of storing andtransmitting digital multimedia files,

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the multimedia device shown connected to a user'shome audio/video system,

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a typical digital multimedia device connected tothe user's home audio/video system,

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure for downloadingdigital content from a content database,

FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing the method for synchronizing anddownloading multimedia content and updates from the master tosubordinate digital multimedia devices connected to the network,

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a synchronization of the instantinvention, and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of the instantinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in detail with regard to the bestmode and the preferred embodiment. In general, the invention is a systemand method comprising a digital multimedia player connected to a networkand capable of transferring, receiving, storing, decoding and playingselected data files from plethora of devices connected to the network,including but not limited to, a computer server, a database, a personalcomputer and other multimedia receiver/player devices capable oftransferring, receiving, storing, decoding and playing the data in anmultimedia format.

With reference to FIG. 1, a digital multimedia device 104 is connectedto network 102 along with a multimedia database 106. In addition, aportable multimedia player 108, a personal computer 110, and “master”digital multimedia player are connected to network 102. For purposes ofthis application, a personal computer is any computer, coupled to anetwork, which receives a program, data or other application fromanother data source or computer coupled to the network. In the depictedexample, multimedia database 106 provides data, such as digital audioand video files in their respective formats, to digital multimediadevice 104 and other devices attached to the network capable ofreceiving audio and video content. The data network system 102 mayinclude additional servers, clients, digital multimedia players andother devices not shown.

The network 102 is capable of delivering data files between the networkdevices, such as multimedia database 106, personal computer 110,portable and fixed digital multimedia devices 104, 112. Muster digitalmultimedia device 112 can include a database such as the multimediadatabase 106. As can be appreciated the multimedia database 106 can be astand-alone entity coupled to the network 102 as well. Furthermore,Muster digital multimedia device 112 has the capability to storevideo/audio products in digital form. Preferably, the network 102comprises a transmission network capable of sending data via anextremely high data transfer rate system, and may comprise satellite,radio, microwave, cellular or other known wireless transmissions usingterrestrial or satellite means. It is contemplated that such transfer ofdata could also be accomplished through direct physical connections(e.g., telephone lines). Network system 102 may be the Internetrepresenting a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that usethe TCP/IP suite of protocols to communicate with one another. Ofcourse, network 102 also may be implemented as a number of differenttypes of networks, such as for example, a wireless internet network, anintranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN). FIG.1 is intended as an example, and not as an architectural limitation forthe present invention.

Multimedia database 106 is an online collection of audio and video workswhich may accessed by network devices on a subscription or free fileshare basis. The recorded multimedia works may be categorized as toformat, such as classical, jazz, contemporary, classic rock, etc. andvideo works such as, educational, drama, comedy, etc. The digital sourcedatabase translates and stores the audio and video works in digitalform, with the works subdivided into different formats. The contentsource database is further capable of communication with other networkdevices to deliver the data stored in the database to a digital playerdevice, personal computer or microprocessor, or portable personaldigital player.

With regard to FIG. 2, the digital multimedia device 104 is a poweredelectronic device designed to be a stand-alone unit for use in the homeor office and powered conventionally by electricity, or a unit installedin an automobile in a manner similar to standard cassette, CD, DVDplayers. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one example of the digitalmultimedia device attached to a user's home audio/video system with amenu display on the user's television. The depicted arrangement allowsthe user to operate the digital multimedia device's playback functionsby utilizing a televised menu driven hierarchy providing the user withprogram selection choices. As well, the user may program the digitalmultimedia device's download, synchronization and storage functions viathe menu driven interface or alternatively keypad on the digitalmultimedia device.

FIG. 3 depicts key internal components providing for the operation ofthe invention disclosed herein. The digital multimedia device 104comprises a microprocessor 302, a network communication unit 306, anaudio video output 308, a digital to analog converter (D/A unit) 310which decodes and converts digitized data to an analog signal output,memory unit 312, preferably consisting of a disk drive, hard drive,memory or flash card system capable of storing a large amount ofmultimedia programming in digital format in individual files, but with areadable/writable storage mechanism that will replace or write over theold data file with one or more new ones, until the data storage deviceis fully loaded. The data memory unit 312 means of the digitalmultimedia device 104 could be removable or detachable for transport oreven interchangeable with other audio/video player devices. The controlunit 314 provides means to select and play any particular multimediawork relatively instantaneously which includes keys and commands forstart, stop, skip, repeat, shuffle and save keypad buttons, and a visualdisplay means to display alphanumeric information about the workselected. The invention may also be packaged with a standard AM/FMradio, cassette player or compact disc player, such that the listenerhas other options for digital audio/video recording and audio/videooutput.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of the present invention.The digital multimedia device 104 allows the user, via the control unit314 means, to request and download entirely new recorded data into thedigital multimedia device 104 or program the digital multimedia device104 to synchronize and update the user's audio/video files automaticallyfrom a multimedia database 106, a personal computer or other devicesconnected to the network. For example, the user instructs the digitalmultimedia device to establish network contact with a selectedmultimedia database in the required communicating manner (Step 402). Theuser then selects the desired multimedia works to be synchronized anddownloaded for storage on the digital multimedia device from the musicmultimedia database (Step 404). The selected digital data is downloadedfrom the music multimedia database into the data storage memory unit ofthe digital multimedia device (Step 406). The user may then be promptedto select other content for download. If the user desires to downloadmore content, the process is repeated (Step 408). If the user declinesto download or update content, the session is terminated. As a result,the user may listen to entirely different audio/video selections fromthose previously recorded in the digital multimedia device.

Turning to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of the present invention isdiscussed in further detail wherein the digital multimedia player 104automatically performs the synchronization and download function between“master” and “subordinate” digital multimedia devices 104, 112. Thesubordinate digital multimedia device establishes network contact with aselected master digital multimedia device in the required communicatingmanner. The subordinate digital multimedia device then queries themaster multimedia device to determine if content downloads or updatesare available (Step 502). The master digital multimedia device respondsto the query (Step 504). If content updates or downloads are available,the subordinate digital player device initiates the synchronization anddownload of the appropriate files (Step 506) and the digital data isplaced in the data storage memory unit of the subordinate digitalmultimedia device (Step 508). After download is complete and at variousselectable intervals, the subordinate digital multimedia player may thenagain query the master digital multimedia device for available contentdownloads or updates (Step 510) and the process is again repeated. Itshould be noted that the user may access and play stored audio contentwith the digital multimedia player while the update synchronizationfunctions are being performed and that the process may be initiated bythe master digital multimedia device as opposed to the subordinatemultimedia device. Likewise, subordinate multimedia devices maysynchronize with other designated master multimedia devices such as apersonal computer, a source database or other networked storage serviceor devices, and receive download updates or multimedia files as setforth in this specification.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart 600 depicting a synchronization ofthe instant invention is described. A process (Step 602) determines whento initiate the synchronization. Once a decision is made to initiatesynchronization, a request is made and the depicted synchronizationprocess starts (Step 604). A first determination is made in that if therequest is rejected, the process reverts back to step 602 to wait foranother initiation as to when to start the synchronization process (Step606). If the request is accepted, the flowchart 600 progresses onward. Asecond determination (Step 608) is made in that if a previoussynchronization point, or well established point exists, thesynchronization process progresses to receive information from a server(Step 610). The received information from the server includes filescontaining audio and video entries. As can be appreciated, the instantinvention teaches a set of zones wherein any zone has a zone specificdevice that contains all the audio and video, as well as textinformation which a user needs. If the information is not containedwithin the zone specific device, it is synchronized and made to containthe information. Therefore, if the device already has the informationthe user needs, an indication of the information may be transferredinstead of the whole information, since the whole information is alreadyin the device albeit not specifically used by a particular user.Continuing describing step 610, information may be received from theserver regarding files on audio and video information from a databaseassociated with the server. The information may include coded addition,deletion, or modification instructions for a specific device in a zone(Step 612). In other words, the database includes time sensitiveinformation related to devices residing in different zones. For example,the user may change her preference in a particular zone at some recenttime. This change is going to be noticed by the server, which storesrelated information in the database. A request for transmission ofaudio, video, or textual files is generated whereby each zone specificdevice is going to eventually be comprised of information specified bythe user (Step 614). As can be appreciated, the information is the mostrecent information the user wants it to be. As a result, a newsynchronization point is achieved. This synchronization resulted inestablishing the most recent well-established synchronization point(Step 616). The synchronization process terminates (Step 618).

Referring back to step 608, if no previous synchronization exists, ahost sends all the necessary information to at least one client, whichcomprises the relevant devices in each zone respectively (Step 620). Thehost can be any device in a zone capable of communicating information toother devices residing in different zones. This usually occurs duringthe initial or setup period wherein different zone devices have not setthemselves up for the user specific information. Or this may occur whensubstantial change in regard to user preference is initiated. By way ofexample, change preference from country music to rock-n-roll. Clientthen determines what information is needed and in turn requests andreceives the needed information. As can be appreciated, the neededinformation comprises audio, video and other graphic and textual files,or segment of files, or indexing information related to the above (Step622). Thereupon, the logic progresses toward step 614.

As can be appreciated, a change or alteration that triggers thesynchronization process includes adding or deleting songs, adding ordeleting playlists, editing song or playlist information, and changingsystem settings and preferences. It is noted that this triggering occurswhen any device in any particular zone is being altered.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram 700 of an embodiment of theinstant invention is depicted. A central storage and interface device702, which can be a AudioReQuest Pro, produced by ReQuest, Inc. isshown. It is noted that AudioReQuest is a trademark of ReQuest, Inc. Alocal area network (LAN) 704 couples central storage and interfacedevice 702 to zone specific storage and interface devices 706, 708, and710, each of which resides in a specific zone (not shown). A personalcomputer 712 is coupled to LAN 704 as well. In addition, other device714 such as an intelligent MP3 player is coupled to LAN 704 as well. Anautomobile 716 that has AudioReQuest capabilities is also coupled to LAN704. It is noted that LAN 704 can be based on Ethernet or can belandline or wireless such as IEEE 802.11 radio frequency or othersuitable standard.

A wide area network (WAN) 718 such as the Internet couples together aserver 720 such as an on-line server, and a second central storage andinterface device 722, which in turn can be coupled to a second LAN 724having at least one zone specific storage and interface device 726coupled thereto. A second automobile 728 is coupled to WAN 718 as well.As can be appreciated, this coupling can be via direct wireless Internetconnections, or a cellular connection.

A practical example of implementing the instant invention is describedinfra. In the example, central storage and interface device 702 isAudioReQuest Pro, zone specific storage and interface devices 706, 708,710 are a set of AudioReQuest Multizone which is produced by ReQuest,Inc.

AudioReQuest Pro (ARQ Pro) is a central storage device that digitallyrecords music from CDs using its built-in CD player. In addition, it canrecord from analog sources such as radio, Long Playing records (LPs),and audiocassettes through its line-in recording capability. Further, itcan record and transfer digital music from the PC and Internet sites.Playlists are created on the system by having a specific user whocategorizes song choices for current or later playing. Song and MusicNavigation information can be viewed on the built-in LCD, a televisioninterface, or on other devices such as home automation control systemsand personal computers through serial and Ethernet connections. Musiccan be either transferred or streamed to other devices 714 such asdigital portable players, streaming network devices, web browsers,personal computers, online websites and servers, and other ReQuestproducts through network and universal serial bus (USB) connections.

AudioReQuest Multizone (ARQ Multi) is an accessory product that has thesame storage, playback, and interface as the AudioReQuest Pro. It isnoted that the substantial similarity between the AudioReQuest Pro andthe AudioReQuest Multizone is achieved by synchronizing of AudioReQuestPro with AudioReQuest Pro over a network, which may be network 704, 718,724, or a combination of some or all of them. As can be appreciated,synchronization includes having devices in different zones storesubstantially identical content of entered music and playlists by aspecific user. Different synchronizing schemes are possible (automatic,daily, weekly, etc). It is noted that users can synchronize or make theupdate on a demand. The ARQ Zone uses an Ethernet connection to a mainunit for the synchronization of the music. As can be appreciated, onlineserver 720 includes any main unit such as ARQ pro 702. Any number of ARQMultizones can work with each ARQ Pro, allowing multiple outputs of thesame music collection to be available. In a typical custom homeinstallation, there may be upwards of 20 zones (e.g., rooms) withindependent control and output. By way of example, instead of onlyplaying one CD throughout the building, different songs can be played atthe same time.

The AudioReQuest Pro and ARQ Multizone will have removable hard drives.This is desirous since if any one unit fails, a hard drive from anotherunit can be inserted and automatically work since they are synchronizedsuch that the content of the hard drives are substantially the same.When an old hard drive is replaced with a new one, it will automaticallysynchronize and get the entire collection from the ARQ Pro. As can beappreciated, this system provides complete backup redundancy for theentire system, protecting the user's multimedia investment.

It is noted that ARQ Multi comprises interfaces for television display,for audio amplification, as well as for infrared connections.

Two AudioReQuest Pros can synchronize over the Internet, so that if acustomer has their main home in Maine and a second home in Hawaii, bothlocations will have the same music collection available. Should a new CDbe loaded in Hawaii, it will become available in Maine after itsynchronizes, and vice versa. In addition, car and other mobile devicescan also synchronize over wired or wireless connections. Furthermore, anonline file server which exists either through a proprietary system or apublic service, can be used to synchronize their music collections fromtheir Pro, so that music can be streamed to their web browser, wirelesscell phone, or other devices, anywhere on the Internet.

It is noted that the above listed devices such as zone specific storageand interface devices 706, 708, 710, or PC 712 can be located inseparate zones respectively. Or, some can co-exist in a zone. One of thepurpose of the zone is to give a user substantially exclusive orreclusive enjoyment of information shared by zone specific storage andinterface devices 706, 708, 710, as well as by central storage andinterface device 702, and other devices.

As can be appreciated, this invention teaches a complete system forproviding recorded multimedia programming in digital form that isupdated on all devices owned by an user, over a network. The main devicedigitally records, stores, plays, downloads, and uploads multimediaprogramming in audio, video, or picture format or other suitable formats(analog or digital). Furthermore, the main device is able to transmitsuch data, either via a hardwired or wireless network, to other devicesthat are capable of playing, storing, download and upload such data. Thesystem allows multiple devices to synchronize its internal collectionwith each other, so that the end result is that all the devices have thesame content and content management means (playlists, settings, etc.).Also devices having accessory playback only feature would synchronizethe data, content, and content management with the main recorder device.Therefore, a complete copy of the content is stored locally in a devicewithin a zone or any zone, so that the output can be played in multiplezones or rooms in a networked building or in multiple locationstraveling through a wide area network such as the Internet. The instantinvention also contemplates other device for mobile applications such ascar, boat, airplane, and other transportation, that would synchronizethrough either hardwired or wireless means resulting in storing thecontent locally. The instant invention further contemplates a set ofdigital multimedia devices comprises a readable/writable memory storagemechanism (e.g. disk drive, hard drive, memory) which are capable oftransmitting and/or receiving network transmissions, and a playback orplayer feature interfaced with a mobile or fixed radio receiver,television, or personal computer.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in the foregoing Detailed Description and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, it will be understood that the invention is notlimited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerousrearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of steps withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the presentinvention is intended to encompass such rearrangements, modifications,and substitutions of steps as fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A system for synchronizing devices in a multimedia environmental, thesystem comprising: at least one central storage and interface device,wherein audio, video, or photographic data, including contentinformation and content management information, relating to at least oneuser, are stored in digital form; and at least one zone, each zonehaving at least one zone specific storage and interface device capableof storing or interfacing with information stored in the central storageand interface device, wherein audio, video, or photographic information,relating to at least one user, contained within the zone specificstorage and interface device and the central storage and interfacedevice, are updated in relation to the zone specific storage andinterface devices and the central storage and interface device, wherebythe at least one user can be situated in any one of the zones and accessthe audio, video, or photographic information related to the at leastone user.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a local areanetwork (LAN) coupled to at least one zone specific storage andinterface device with the central storage and interface device, whereinthe interconnections within the LAN is hardwired or wireless.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a wide area network (WAN) couplingat least one zone specific storage and interface device with the centralstorage and interface device.
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a set of zone specific output devices coupled to each of thezone specific storage and interface device, wherein audio, video, andphotographic information is outputted, thereby the at least one user isdisposed to have substantially identical content information and contentmanagement information displayed and manipulated in anyone of the zones.5. The system of claim 1, further comprising an output device coupled tothe at least one central storage and interface, wherein audio, video, orphotographic information is outputted.
 6. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a server, wherein audio, video, and photographic informationcontained within each one of the plurality of zone specific storage andinterface devices and the central storage and interface device arestored therein and updated at a predetermined time in relation withother zone specific storage and interface devices as well as the centralstorage and interface device, coupled to the WAN.
 7. The system of claim1, further comprising an other device coupled to the central storage andinterface device via a network connection other than the LAN or WAN. 8.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one user pre-stores theaudio, video, and photographic information by way of using a devicecomprising the central storage and interface device, and the zonespecific storage and interface device.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinthe central storage and interface device comprises means fortransmitting or receiving information to or from the ozone specificstorage and interface device.
 10. The System of claim 1, wherein thezone specific storage and interface device comprises means fortransmitting or receiving information to or from the central storage andinterface device.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the central storageand interface device is capable of converting analog information intodigital form.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the zone specificstorage and interface device is disposed to be coupled to a personalcomputer (PC).
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the zone specificstorage and interface device is disposed to be coupled to a wirelessmobile device.
 14. The system of claim 1 wherein the central storage andinterlace device is disposed to be coupled to a wireless mobile devicevia LAN.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the central storage andinterface device is disposed to be coupled to a wireless mobile devicevia WAN.